Introduction
Samsung brings impressive upgrades to its budget segment with the Galaxy F36 5G, positioned under ₹20,000 in India. While it sports familiar features—like a large Super AMOLED screen and a 5,000 mAh battery—it adds thoughtful improvements like Gorilla Glass Victus+, 120 Hz refresh rate, and OIS on the main 50 MP camera, often missing at this price. Plus, it ships with Android 15 and One UI 7, and Samsung guarantees six generations of OS upgrades and years of security patches.
But does the F36 5G deliver enough real-world value to stand out amid fierce mid-range competition? Let’s explore the full picture—design, display, cameras, software, battery, and more—to help you answer that question.
📌 Galaxy F36 5G: Key Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.7″ Full HD+ Super AMOLED, 120 Hz, Gorilla Glass Victus+ |
| Processor | Samsung Exynos 1380 (5 nm) |
| RAM/Storage | 6/8 GB LPDDR4x + 128 GB, expandable via microSD (up to 2 TB) |
| Rear Cameras | 50 MP (OIS) + 8 MP ultrawide + 2 MP macro + LED flash |
| Front Camera | 13 MP |
| Battery | 5,000 mAh, 25 W fast charging |
| OS | Android 15 with One UI 7 |
| Software Updates | 6 OS upgrades, 7 years security |
| Connectivity | 5G, Wi‑Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, USB‑C |
| Dimensions / Weight | 164.4 x 77.9 x 7.7 mm, 197 g |
| Extras | Side‑mounted fingerprint, vegan‑leather finish |
🎨 Design & Build Quality
✅ Premium Look & Feel
The F36 5G is slimmer (7.7 mm) and lighter (197 g) than many competitors. Its vegan‑leather back and Gorilla Glass Victus+ front impart a more luxurious vibe than typical plastic mid‑range phones.
✅ Functional Ergonomics
The flat rails and curved edges offer a confident grip, and Samsung includes a side-mounted fingerprint sensor that feels natural and unlocks fast. With an IP53‑equivalent splash-resistant coating, it handles accidental spills and light rain.
✅ Color Choices & Durability
Available in Coral Red, Luxe Violet, and Onyx Black, the red and violet have soft matte finishes that resist fingerprints and stand out. Though it lacks full IP water resistance, the build quality feels solid and premium.
✅ Verdict:
The Galaxy F36 5G feels more upscale than its price suggests—smart design and solid durability factored into a budget package.
🌈 Display: Spacious, Smooth & Bright
✅ Display Specs
At 6.7 inches, the Super AMOLED screen delivers vibrant color, deep blacks, and strong 120 Hz smoothness. Peak brightness exceeds 1,200 nits—Sunlight readability is strong.
✅ User Experience
Scrolling, YouTube, and Netflix look smooth with rich visuals and HDR10+ support. The 450 ppi density offers sharp text around. The teardrop notch is unobtrusive but there’s no punch‑hole; still, it’s unobtrusive.
✅ Pros:
✔️ Smooth 120 Hz performance
✔️ Bright, crisp OLED visuals
✔️ HDR media support
✅ Cons:
✘ No under‑display camera or punch‑hole
✘ 60 Hz on camera app and games
✅ Verdict:
A standout offering in the price range—one of the best displays mid‑budget users can get under ₹20K.
⚡ Performance & Hardware
✅ Exynos 1380 Power
The Exynos 1380 chip offers near‑flagship-like CPU speeds, though GPU performance is mid‑rangey. In benchmarks, it comfortably beats Snapdragon 695 and Dimensity 920 but is behind Dimensity 8200.
✅ RAM & Storage
Comes with 6 or 8 GB RAM, with 2 GB virtual RAM support. The 128 GB UFS 2.2 storage is faster than most plastic-tier phones, and there’s a microSD slot—rare yet practical.
✅ Real-World Testing
Everyday actions like app switching, web browsing, and social media run effortlessly. Gaming at medium settings is smooth, and even Genshin Impact is playable at lower frame rates. One UI 7 is buttery smooth.
✅ Verdict:
Day‑to‑day performance is snappy and reliable, with enough power for multitasking and casual gaming.
📸 Camera System: Versatile & Reliable
✅ Triple-Camera Setup
- 50 MP OIS main sensor captures detailed daytime and improved low‑light shots.
- 8 MP ultrawide delivers wide captures with mild distortion.
- 2 MP macro is best for occasional use—no standout, but usable.
✅ Photo Quality
In daylight, details are sharp with accurate colors. Night shots are decent, aided by OIS for exposure. The ultrawide is functional but softer at edges.
✅ Video Recording
Supports 4K @30fps on both front and back—good quality for budget class. + Nightography and AI enhancements help stabilize and brighten clips.
✅ Front Camera
13 MP selfies are clean and natural-looking. Video calling is crisp.
✅ Verdict:
The camera is one of the F36’s strongest points—especially thanks to OIS and 4K recording, features not always found at this price.
🔋 Battery Life & Charging
✅ All-Day Battery Life
The 5,000 mAh cell lasts all day with average usage—social media, videos, light gaming. On mixed use, you get 7–8 hours screen-on time.
✅ Charging Speed
25 W wired charging fills the battery to 100% in about 70 minutes—efficient and safe. Charger is included in the box.
✅ Battery Management
One UI’s battery modes intelligently restrict background apps overnight. A “Sleep Mode” preserves battery across multiple days.
✅ Verdict:
Excellent endurance with fast recharging—a rare combination at this price point.
🎯 Software & Long-Term Support
✅ One UI 7 on Android 15
Clean UI with Samsung staples—Edge Panels, optimized Dark Mode, expanded camera UI. No bloatware, except a few Samsung apps.
✅ AI Enhancements
Includes Object Eraser, Image Clipper, and Edit Suggestions via Samsung’s AI camera toolkit and integrated Google Gemini features.
✅ Software Longevity
Samsung’s guaranteed six OS upgrades and seven years of security patches is outstanding—far ahead of most competitors.
✅ Verdict:
One UI feels premium, intuitive, and long-term friendly—standing out in the budget segment.
🔊 Connectivity & Extras
✅ Comprehensive Connectivity
Supports dual-SIM 5G (SA/NSA), NFC for payments, Wi‑Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, and GNSS positioning (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo).
✅ Audio & Haptics
Single bottom-firing speaker with Dolby Atmos support. Loud, clear sound, though lacks depth. Side fingerprint sensor is fast and reliable.
✅ Build Details
197 g weight is well-balanced for 6.7″ body. USB-C port and IR blaster add convenience. No 3.5mm jack or waterproof rating.
✅ Verdict:
Covers all core connectivity needs with a practical set of extras—no major misses for daily users.
🛒 Is the Galaxy F36 5G Worth Buying in 2025?
The smartphone market under ₹20,000 is more competitive than ever, but the Galaxy F36 5G manages to carve a unique spot. Unlike many rivals that either focus solely on raw performance or aesthetics, Samsung delivers a balanced, future-proof device. The inclusion of six years of OS updates is not just a marketing gimmick—it significantly extends the phone’s usable lifespan, making it a smart long-term investment for budget-conscious buyers. Whether you’re a student, casual user, or even a content creator who wants stable 4K video with OIS, the F36 offers a well-rounded package. The software experience, clean animations, and extra tools like Knox security, Samsung Wallet, and voice focus for calls add to its everyday value. If you’re considering phones like the Realme Narzo 70 Pro, Moto G85, or Redmi Note 14, the F36 stands out with a stronger display, better update promise, and polished UI. Its minor shortcomings—like lack of stereo speakers and mid-tier gaming—are easy to overlook when you consider the reliable performance, excellent battery life, and camera capabilities. Overall, the Galaxy F36 5G offers an ideal blend of hardware, software, and long-term assurance that very few in this budget bracket can match.
✅ Pros & Cons at a Glance
Pros:
✔️ Vivid Super AMOLED, 120 Hz & Gorilla Glass Victus+
✔️ OIS-enabled 50 MP main camera + 4K video
✔️ Excellent battery life with bundled fast charger
✔️ Six OS upgrades from Samsung—rare in this price tier
✔️ Expandable storage via microSD
Cons:
✘ No punch-hole camera or in-display sensor
✘ GPU performance trails slightly behind Dimensity chips
✘ Single speaker, basic water resistance
🤔 FAQs
Q: Does the Galaxy F36 5G have a headphone jack?
👉 No — Samsung opted for a single USB-C port and removed the 3.5 mm jack.
Q: Is the display Gorilla Glass protected?
👉 Yes, it features Gorilla Glass Victus+, offering strong scratch and drop resistance.
Q: Does it support motion smoothing and gaming assist?
👉 It offers 120 Hz refresh rate and Game Booster, though the GPU is mid-tier.
Q: Will it run Android 21?
👉 Yes—Samsung guarantees six Android OS upgrades, meaning it will reach Android 21 in the future.
Q: Is microSD expansion supported?
👉 Yes — the hybrid SIM slot allows adding a microSD card up to 2 TB.
🌟 Final Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy F36 5G isn’t perfect, but it shows remarkable polish and substance for a ₹20K phone. It’s one of the best-equipped devices on the market thanks to its vibrant AMOLED screen, flagship-standard OIS camera, long-term software support, and dependable battery.
If smooth visuals, quality imaging, regular updates, and brand trust are important, the F36 5G sets a new benchmark under ₹20K. The only weak spots are GPU power and speaker output—but these are unlikely to trouble average users.
In short, for those who want flagship-like features in a budget package, the F36 5G is a compelling choice—smart, strong, and future-ready.
